Analysis of organic farming

Organic farming in Flanders: a cost-effective alternative

Conversion to organic farming is a cost-effective alternative for many conventional farms in Flanders . This was shown in an economic analysis commissioned by the Flemish government and carried out by the Louis Bolk Institute and the Flemish Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research ILVO. The analysis also showed that the costs of conversion are considerable. The investments needed to acquire new skills and find new distribution channels present a substantial business risk.

Insight into the effect of government subsidies

Despite these challenges, organic farming is considered a promising strategy for making agricultural and horticultural production more sustainable. Insight into the economic hurdles that farmers face when converting to organic farming helps to fine-tune the present subsidy programmes. Our analysis and recommendations have been published in a report.